Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he remains unshaken by the ongoing political crisis rocking the state, stating that the worst outcome for him would be leaving office. The governor made this bold assertion on Monday during the inauguration of residential quarters for Government House staff in Port Harcourt.
Fubara, who has been at the center of a protracted political feud with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, expressed frustration over the repeated setbacks faced by his administration. He lamented that each time his government attempts to achieve stability, obstacles arise, pushing the state back to square one.
Fubara’s Defiant Stance
Addressing the gathering, Fubara commended the people of Rivers State for their unwavering support amid the political turbulence. He vowed to lead the charge in making decisive decisions when the time comes, emphasizing his commitment to doing what is right for the state.
“No matter how much we have been deceived in this state, we have now reached a point where the people have decided to take their destiny into their own hands. Inasmuch as I do not support violence, when the time comes to make a decision, I will lead the charge,” Fubara declared.
He added, “I’m not scared of anything; the worst that can happen is for me to leave office. Am I leaving the earth? Will it stop me from existing? I’m not bothered about that. The right thing must be done and said when the opportunity is given to us.”
Supreme Court Rulings Intensify Crisis
The political crisis in Rivers State, which has persisted for over two years, stems from the rift between Fubara and Wike. The feud has divided the Rivers State House of Assembly into two factions, further complicating governance in the state.
Last Friday, the Supreme Court delivered a series of rulings that have significantly impacted the political landscape. The apex court upheld a Federal High Court decision barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State.
Additionally, the Supreme Court ordered the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly and other elected members to resume sitting immediately. In another blow to Fubara’s administration, the court nullified the local government elections held on October 5, 2024, declaring them invalid, null, and void.
These rulings are widely perceived as a political advantage for the Wike-led faction, further escalating tensions in the state.
A State in Turmoil
The political crisis has created a climate of uncertainty in Rivers State, with governance and development projects suffering as a result. Despite the challenges, Fubara has vowed to remain steadfast in his commitment to the people, urging them to remain resolute in their quest for justice and good governance.
As the crisis continues to unfold, stakeholders and residents of Rivers State are calling for a peaceful resolution to the impasse, emphasizing the need for stability and progress in the oil-rich state.